Balancing college, a career and parenting doesn’t come with extra hours in the day. So how do student parents make it work?

In this episode of Wave Makers, host Dr. Reina Ferrufino talks with Rio Salado College alum Destiny Spurling about her journey from starting college as a single parent to building a career in accounting, earning her associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and pursuing her CPA.

Destiny shares the real challenges behind that journey and the practical strategies that helped her keep moving forward, from turning small pockets of time into study time and putting everything on her calendar to finding mentors, building a support system and learning to ask for help.

It’s an honest conversation about the many roles student parents carry, the people who help make the journey possible and why there’s no single timeline for reaching your goals.

Bold voices. Real stories. Defining Moments.

What if the future of construction could be printed — one layer at a time?

Wave Makers launches Season 3 with a look at the technology, partnerships and people helping reshape the future of construction and workforce development.

Host Michelle Reese sits down with Zach Mannheimer, founder and chairman of Alquist 3D, and Ken Wilk, Applied Technology Chair at Rio Salado College, following a special Rio Salado and Tempe Chamber of Commerce event focused on housing affordability, construction innovation and workforce development in Arizona.

Alquist 3D uses large-scale robotic technology to 3D print homes and commercial structures. But as Zach explains, the real opportunity goes far beyond the technology itself. A growing industry needs people who understand robotics, computer-aided design, materials, safety, coding and the complexities of construction.

That’s where education and workforce development come together.

Zach and Ken discuss Rio Salado’s work to prepare learners for emerging opportunities in construction additive manufacturing, why automation can create new career pathways rather than simply eliminate jobs, and how 3D printing could ultimately contribute to solutions for housing affordability.

The conversation also explores Alquist 3D’s groundbreaking commercial projects, including its work with Walmart; opportunities for experienced construction workers to reskill; and a future in which 3D-printing technology could become a familiar presence on construction sites.

From giant robots printing buildings to students preparing for careers that barely existed a few years ago, this Season 3 premiere asks an exciting question: What happens when education, technology and industry work together to build the future?

Wave Makers: Bold voices. Real stories. Defining Moments.

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes two extraordinary Rio Salado College students whose stories prove it’s never too late to start over, dream bigger, and redefine your future.

Meet Marielena “Mari” Aguirre Foster, who is approaching nine years of sobriety and preparing to transfer to Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College to study public policy and health policy. Alongside her is Goldie Johnson Pompey, a student leader balancing work, academics, and a future legal career as she prepares to transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue law.

Together, they share what it means to return to school as non-traditional students while juggling careers, recovery, leadership, and life experience. From late-night study sessions and online learning flexibility to discovering mentorship, purpose, and community through Rio Salado College, this episode highlights the transformative power of education at every stage of life.

In this episode:

• Mari shares her journey through recovery and personal transformation
• Goldie discusses returning to college while working full-time
• Both students reflect on finding leadership, belonging, and mentorship through student life
• The conversation explores how community college can open unexpected doors
• They discuss overcoming fear, self-doubt, and starting again

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth is always possible — and that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin later than expected.